Device for Distributing and/or Controlling the Discharge of Unitary Products, Fitted Onto a Container, and For the In-Situ Treatment of its Internal Atmosphere

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a device for distribution and/or controlling the discharge of unitary products, and for simultaneous in-situ treatment of the atmosphere of a container onto which it is fitted. The device comprises a lower surface provided with an entry opening, an upper surface provided with at least one main distribution opening, a guiding surface for the products to be distributed, and a means of securing the device. The device is made from a thermoplastic material comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer and at least one agent for treating gaseous pollutants present in the atmosphere of the container, by reaction with and/or adsorption of at least one existing gaseous pollutant and/or desorption of said agent in the atmosphere of the container.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to French Application No. 06/04539,filed on May 19, 2006, U.S. Ser. No. 60/816,645, filed Jun. 27, 2006,and to PCT Application No. PCT/FR2007/000831, filed May 16, 2007, thecontents of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a device for distributingand/or controlling the discharge of unitary products in a solid state aswell as to the in-situ treatment of the atmosphere of the container ontowhich it is fitted. The unitary products are typically stored loosely soas to be distributed preferably unit by unit and the assembly generallycomprises the container and an integrated device that is closed by asealing means at the open end of the container.

Unitary products of this kind can be, for example, pharmaceutical,cosmetic, nutritional, veterinary or diagnostic products, with thecharacteristic of having one greater dimension which is either thediameter or the length. In the case of pharmaceutical products these canbe tablets, dragees, pills, lozenges, pastilles, granules or capsules.

Products of this kind can be sensitive to the gaseous pollutants presentin the internal atmosphere of the container, such as for examplehumidity, oxygen and other pollutants.

Thus a device of this kind for the distribution and/or control ofdischarge and for the in-situ treatment of the gaseous atmosphere of acontainer, makes it possible on the one hand to avoid the undesiredrelease of several unitary products at once during its use, and on theother hand to ensure the preservation of a suitable atmosphere in thestorage container, including during the time of use, by means of theadsorbent, reactive or desorbent properties of the material used to makea device of this kind.

2. Description of Related Art

Numerous devices for distributing and/or controlling discharge at aspecific opening, with regard to the shape of the distribution openingand fitting onto containers, are described in the technical literature,in particular in the form of patent applications and/or publishedpatents.

Thus for example, document WO 2004/080366 describes a device for thedistribution of products with an oblong shape having a main opening andat least one other secondary opening with an elongated shape and acorresponding container.

In this device, the selected object is taken and passes partiallythrough the main distribution opening and remains slightly wedged there,so that it cannot fall out of the container, but is still accessible tothe user from the side of the external surface of the device.

A container of this kind is provided with a removable sealing stopper,mounted by an interlocking or threaded connection.

The level of humidity in the internal atmosphere of the container iscontrolled by incorporating desiccating elements, which can be in theform of inserts or layers of materials molded onto the internal surfaceof the container and/or desiccating elements inserted into the stopperclosing the container or positioned at the bottom of the container.

A different document (EP-756567) describes a container designed formedicines such as tablets provided with a distribution system.

A container of this kind for circular, flattened tablets comprises astorage compartment able to hold a specific volume of tablets. Thestorage compartment is in communication with the exterior of thecontainer by way of a distribution device comprising one or moredistribution openings. The distribution device which fits onto the neckof the container, comprises a storage chamber for a generallypulverulent dehydrating agent, which thereby protects the tablets insidethe container from ambient humidity. A membrane which is porous tohumidity holds the pulverulent dehydrating agent and at the same timeenables the humidity contained in the tablets stored in the body of thecontainer and/or the internal humidity of the container to be adsorbedby the pulverulent dehydrating material.

A storage chamber of this kind which receives a specific quantity ofpulverulent dehydrating material can be formed around part of thedistribution device in the form of a narrowing surface leading to thedistribution passage. The other part of this storage chamber iscomprised by the walls of the container or by the external walls of thedistribution device.

Clearly, the flaws in the technical solution according to this closestprior art relate to the fact that there are three components, namely adistributing cone and external walls of the attachment, pulverulentdehydrating material and porous membrane.

The conditions for producing an assembly of this kind are complex anddifficult to automatize for the kind of mass production required by thistype of packaging. Moreover, a device of this kind has the disadvantageof having a modest exchange surface, due to its particular shape, withthe dehydrating material being stored between two impervious walls, anda membrane forming the third wall, but the membrane is not turnedtowards the interior of the container.

A further document (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/048,268,Published U.S> Patent Application 2006/0169603) describes a containerequipped with a reclosable cover made in two parts. One is a fixed partin one piece with the body of the container, having a distributionopening with a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the bodyof the container on which the reclosable cover is fixed, and the otherpart is a pivoting mobile section, in one piece with the fixed part andarticulated around the fixed part by means of a hinge, thus constitutingthe reclosable covering cap.

The assembly comprises, in its fixed part, internal housing in which aninsert is fitted made from a dehydrating composition. The dehydratinginsert with a circular shape comprises a plurality of ribs separated byblind holes providing a number of exchange surfaces and is able tocollect the internal humidity in the container.

An assembly of this kind with a dehydrating function has a maindisadvantage of being made in several parts, and thus requires complexand expensive assembly operations. It is also not suitable as thedistribution device is elaborate and no longer makes it possible toreserve such a housing to hold the dehydrating insert.

It can be observed that none of the distribution devices of the priorart for fitting onto containers produce satisfactory results, not withregard to the distribution of the products for which they are designed,but with regard to the integration of other functions, such as theability to regulate the internal atmosphere of a container, for exampleits humidity levels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A problem posed, which has not been solved by the prior art, is toproduce a device for distribution and/or controlling discharge that isdesigned for containers storing solid loosely packed unitary products,that are sensitive to humidity. For example, once a device is providednot only with the ability preferably to control discharge and distributeproducts preferably unit by unit, but also is provided with means forthe in-situ treatment of the internal atmosphere of the container. Suchan in-situ treatment can be for example dehydration, the elimination ofoxygen and/or other gaseous pollutants present in the atmosphere.

Thus, the present invention relates to a device for distributing and/orcontrolling the discharge of unitary products and for treating in-situthe atmosphere of a closed container by a sealing means. The sealingmeans is fitted onto the closed container and the unitary products arestored loosely therein. The device enables the passage of the productsto be distributed from the interior to the exterior of the container. Inone embodiment the device comprises:

-   -   a lower surface equipped with an entry opening;    -   an upper surface provided with at least one main distribution        opening;    -   between the lower surface and the upper surface, a surface for        guiding products to be distributed;    -   a means for fixing the device onto the container in which it is        fitted;        Wherein the device is made from a thermoplastic material        comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer and at least one        agent for treating at least one gaseous pollutant present in the        gaseous atmosphere of the container by reaction with and/or        adsorption of at least one gaseous pollutant present in the        gaseous atmosphere and/or desorption of the agent in the gaseous        atmosphere of the container.

The present invention also relates to a form of packaging comprising:the distribution device, a container fitted therewith, and a closingmeans for closing the container equipped with the device in a sealingmanner.

In addition, the present invention relates to the use of a device fordistribution and/or controlling the discharge of unitary products andfor the in-situ treatment of the atmosphere of a container onto which itis fitted. The products are preferably stored loosely in the containerand can be in particular, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutritional,veterinary or diagnostic in type, regardless of their physical shape,and they may or may not be sensitive to gaseous pollutants, for examplehumidity, and require a specific protected environment in relation tothe exterior environment.

Additional objects, features and advantages of the invention will be setforth in the description which follows, and in part, will be obviousfrom the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.The objects, features and advantages of the invention may be realizedand obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is explained in more detail in the following descriptionof the figures with reference numbers, where the figures illustrate aparticular dehydrating container according to the invention in anillustrative and non-restrictive manner.

FIG. 1 show a cross section of a device for distribution and/orcontrolling discharge

-   -   and for the in-situ treatment of the internal atmosphere of a        container with a solid structure, according to the invention,        fitted onto its container;

FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the device with a thin walled structureaccording to the invention, fitted onto its container;

FIG. 3 shows a cross section of a device according to the invention,with a thin walled structure, with a single off-centre main distributionopening;

FIG. 4 shows a view from above of the same device;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a device for distribution and for thein-situ treatment of the internal atmosphere of a container for oblongobjects;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a device where the guiding surface ishemispherical and comprises a central main distribution opening, andsecondary openings opening into the main distribution opening;

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate particular embodiments of theinvention, and, together with the general description given above andthe detailed description of certain embodiments given below, serve toexplain the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Thus, according to the present invention, there is provided a device fordistribution and/or controlling the discharge and for the in-situtreatment of the atmosphere of the container in which it is fitted,permits at the same time:

-   -   the distribution, preferably unit by unit, of loosely packed        products to be distributed;    -   the in-situ treatment of pollution in the internal atmosphere of        the container, which may be polluted for example, by water        vapor, oxygen (O₂), gaseous pollutants of an acidic nature such        as sulphur dioxide (SO₂), hydrosulphuric acid (H₂S), carbon        dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂),        halogens, in particular fluorine, gaseous pollutants of an        alkaline nature such as ammonia (NH₃), organic gaseous        pollutants that generate or do not generate odours such as        alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, mercaptans, alkenes, in particular        ethylene, alkynes, alkanes, in particular methane (CH₄),    -   as well as the in-situ treatment of the internal atmosphere with        a view to obtaining pleasing olfactory properties.

There can be, however, instances of using the packaged products when thelatter need to be taken not unit by unit but in a small number. It isthen possible to prioritize the discharge of a limited number ofproducts instead of distribution unit by unit, i.e. accept the dischargeof several products and ensure that the surplus can be reincorporatedinto the container by a suitable means.

A device for distribution and/or controlling discharge and for thein-situ treatment of the atmosphere according to the invention can bedesigned to have a solid structure, such as a stopper, or to have astructure with thin walls, which can both be achieved, for example, byusing plastics technology.

A device for distribution and/or controlling discharge and for thein-situ treatment of the atmosphere advantageously comprises a lowersurface, an upper surface and a peripheral surface. In the case of astructure with thin walls, the external peripheral surface delimits aperipheral skirt on which the securing means can be arranged if desired.

The device for distribution and/or controlling discharge and for thein-situ treatment of the atmosphere also preferably comprises an entryopening, located on the lower surface, and advantageously turned towardsthe interior of the container. There is also preferably included aguiding surface, with or without a line of symmetry, the surface ofwhich can be extendable or not extendable, bearing against the entryopening, as well as an outlet opening which opens into or which formsthe main distribution opening. The device also preferably has a meansfor being secured onto the container on which it is fitted.

Entry Opening:

According to the present invention a device for distribution and/orcontrolling discharge and for the in-situ treatment of the atmospherepreferably comprises an entry opening on its lower surface, upstream ofthe guiding surface, and oriented towards the interior of the container,which can have, for example, a circular, elliptic or polygonal profilefollowing the profile of the container. The profile can also be equal toor smaller than the internal profile of the container or of the neck ofthe container when the container is equipped therewith.

Main Distribution Opening:

The device for distribution and/or controlling the discharge and for thein-situ treatment of the atmosphere, according to the present inventioncomprises a main distribution opening arranged on its upper surface.Said opening makes it possible to distribute the products preferablyunit by unit.

A main distribution opening can have, for example, a circular, ellipticor polygonal profile, or can have a completely different shape accordingto the shape and the dimensions of the products to be distributed. Theopening generally has dimensions which enable the passage preferably ofonly one object at a time. Thus, if the distribution opening iscircular, its diameter is generally close to the size or diameter of theproduct to be distributed.

A main distribution opening can be arranged in the plane or set backfrom the plane of the upper surface of the device or be placed in anydesired arrangement.

Moreover, a main distribution opening can be positioned in a possiblypreferential manner in relation to the axis of the container forexample, in the center, that is in the line of axis of the device fordistribution and/or controlling discharge. In other configurations, thedistribution opening can be positioned outside of the line of symmetryof the device, such as, for example, at the periphery of its uppersurface.

In more elaborate configurations, for example, for products with anoblong shape, a main distribution opening can possibly be connected withother secondary distribution openings, such as a type with lips or adifferent type, opening into the main distribution opening.

Guiding Surface:

The device for distribution and/or controlling the discharge and for thein-situ treatment of the atmosphere according to the present inventionpreferably comprises a guiding surface situated between a lower surfaceequipped with an entry opening and an upper surface equipped with atleast one main distribution opening. The guiding surface typically opensdirectly into the main distribution opening or by way of a conduit.Regardless of the type of structure selected, either solid or with thinwalls, the guiding surface is preferably in the form of a walldelimiting a hollow space with a spherical surface, such as a dome, or aspherical, truncated, truncated-cylindrical, truncated parabolic,truncated hyperbolic zone. The guiding surface can be, for example,convex or concave, with straight line or oblique revolution, i.e.generated by a rectilinear line or a curved line if desired.

The hollow space defined in this way has a height and base, whereby therelationship between the height and the dimension of the base can bevery low, or even zero in the extreme instance of a plane guidingsurface.

The guiding surface forming the wall is open at its two ends. One of theopenings, generally the largest, is oriented towards the interior of thecontainer and is the entry point of the device for the products to bedistributed. The other opening opens into or constitutes thedistribution opening or discharge control of said products, by nature ofits geometry.

In one particular, extreme configuration the guiding surface can be aplane surface comprising the main distribution opening.

For example, in the case of a guiding surface with a conical shape, theangle at the summit of the cone can be between 30 and 180°, andpreferably between 45 and 135°.

According to the mode the distribution device is functioning, when thedistribution of the packaged products is required, the user inverts thedirection of the distribution device by turning it upside down, so thatthe stock of products to be distributed is positioned above said deviceand is in contact with the guiding surface.

By inverting the device and thereby by the action of gravity, theproducts to be distributed come successively into contact with theguiding surface. Then with the distribution opening with adjusteddimensions, the passage preferably permits one object at a time to bedistributed.

Means for Securing the Device onto the Neck of the Container:

A device for distribution and/or controlling discharge and for thein-situ treatment of the gaseous atmosphere according to the presentinvention also preferably comprises a means for securing the device ontothe container on which it is fitted.

Preferably, the securing means is positioned on the external peripheralsurface of the device in the case of solid structure, or on theperipheral skirt in the case of a structure with thin walls.

Various different securing means can be considered, such as for example,a force fit, a clipping connection with notch and groove on one or otherof the existing surfaces, a differential thermal shrinkage, a screwconnection, catching connection, etc. However, a preferred securingmeans is a force fit between the preferably cylindrical external surfaceof the device and the preferably cylindrical internal surface of theneck of the container.

In order to facilitate the fixing of the discharge control device ontothe neck of the container by means of a force fit or clipping connection(which are modes of connection which are entirely based on elasticdeformation of the device and which result from the mechanicalproperties of the thermoplastic material in which it is made), a slightmodification of the shape of the device can be made. This modificationcan include providing at least one partial, radial slit in an upperperipheral surface of the device.

This partial slit will close partially when the discharge control deviceis introduced into the neck of the container, and will return to itsinitial position once the device has been positioned into thecontainer's neck, at the level of the notch and groove.

The inclusion of at least one partial slit increases the capacity ofreversible elastic deformation of the discharge control device duringits introduction into the container's neck. Two rims are generallypresent in at least one partial slit, and capable of coming togetherduring the introduction of the discharge control device into thecontainer's neck.

The inclusion of the securing means makes it possible to provide a sealbetween the interior and exterior of the container when the externalperipheral surface of the device forms an olive type bulge.

The securing means also preferably comprises specific means which makeit possible to position the device vertically in relation to the neck ofthe associated container, by preventing vertical movement, once thedevice is put in place, in particular in the case of a force fit.

The specific means employed can be formed, for example, by a flange,bearing against the neck of the container a circular housing provided inthe neck of the container, or by any other desired means.

The upper surface of the device after its introduction into the neck ofthe container, is at most flush with the annular surface of the neck orbears against this surface via a support means which may be a flange,whose diameter is greater than the internal diameter of the neck of thecontainer and is at most equal to the external diameter of the neck ofthe container. The support means can be positioned at the level of theupper surface of the device and prevents the device being driven toodeeply into the neck of the container and ensures precise verticalpositioning.

Specific means of this kind can also include a reverse-lock stoppositioned at the level of the lower surface of the device preventingthe device from coming out of the neck of the container onto which it isfixed.

The lower stop can be in the form of a collar or segments of a collarproviding a certain degree of elasticity to be introduced, bydeformation, to the interior of the neck of the container. The stop canthen relax and act like a non-return flap by coming to bear on the baseof the neck of the container. This kind of elasticity and recovery ofshape are ensured by the resilient material chosen to make the deviceand by the structure of this reverse-lock stop.

Several connecting means comprising the securing elements andpositioning elements of the device relating to the neck of the containercan be used together at the same time.

Thermoplastic Material Used for the Production of the Device:

According to the present invention, a device for distribution and/orcontrolling discharge and for the in-situ treatment of the internalatmosphere of a container is preferably made by injection techniquesusing thermoplastic materials comprising at least one thermoplasticpolymer and at least one agent for treating the gaseous atmosphere byreaction with, and/or adsorption of at least one gaseous pollutant,and/or desorption of said agent in the internal atmosphere of thecontainer.

A thermoplastic material formulated in this way acquires porosity due tothe presence of one or more treatment agents which gives them theability to exchange with some of the gaseous constituents concerned,such as the pollutants present in the gaseous atmosphere of thecontainer, or to liberate the treatment agent into the atmosphere.

A suitable method of producing the device can also, in more simplestructures, be single or multilayer extrusion, followed bythermoforming, then punching and cutting to obtain the said device.Injection-blow molding can also be considered. However, injectionmolding is preferable.

Thermoplastic Polymers Introduced into the Thermoplastic MaterialsAccording to the Invention:

A thermoplastic polymer as used to produce a device for distributionand/or controlling discharge and for the in-situ treatment of theinternal atmosphere of a container, according to the present invention,are preferably selected from a group comprising high and low density,radical or linear polyethylenes, copolymers of ethylene such as ethylenevinyl acetates, ethylene ethyl acrylates, ethylene butyl acrylates,ethylene maleic anhydrides, ethylene alpha olefines, regardless of themethods of polymerisation or modification by grafting, homopolypropylene and copolymers, polybutene-1, polyisobutylene.

One or more polyolefines are preferably chosen for cost reasons andbecause they are easy to use.

However, other polymers can also be considered such as, polyvinylchloride, copolymers of vinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chlorides,polystyrenes, copolymers of styrene, derivatives of cellulose,polyamides, polycarbonates, polyoxymethylenes, polyethyleneterephthalates, polybutylene terephthalates, copolyesters, polyphenyleneoxides, polymethyl methacrylates, copolymers of acrylate, fluoridepolymers, polyphenylene sulphides, polyarylsulphones,polyaryletherketones, polyetherimides, polyimides, thermoplasticelastomers, polyurethanes, phenol resins, melamine resins, urea resins,epoxy resins and unsaturated polyester resins.

Biodegradable thermoplastic polymers can also be used such as forexample polylactic acids (PLA).

Combinations of these polymers can also be produced in a mixture withpolymers of polar groups, such as polyvinyl alcohols. Foaming agents canbe used to expand the thermoplastic material and create open or closedcells.

Treatments Agents Used in the Thermoplastic Materials According to theInvention:

A treatment agent used by introduction into and mixture with thethermoplastic polymer to produce a device for distribution and/orcontrolling discharge and for the in-situ treatment of the internalatmosphere of a container according to the invention, can advantageouslybe selected from known reaction agents and/or gaseous pollutionadsorbing agents such as dehydrating agents, oxygen collectors, odourcollectors, collectors of ammonia (NH₃), alcohols, aldehydes, ketones,sulphur dioxide (SO₂), hydrosulphuric acid (H₂S), mercaptans, alkenes inparticular ethylene, alkynes, carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide(CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), alkanes, in particular methane (CH₄),halogens in particular fluorine, and/or desorption agents in theinternal atmosphere of the container such as volatile olfactory agents.

Various different agents for the in-situ treatment of the internalgaseous atmosphere of a container equipped with a device according tothe present invention can be cited by way of illustration:

-   -   A suitable dehydrating agent is an individual agent or a mixture        of several dehydrating agents, selected from a group comprising        silica gels, dehydrating clays, activated aluminas, calcium        oxide, barium oxide, natural or synthetic zeolites, molecular or        similar sieves, or deliquescent salts such as magnesium        sulphate, calcium chloride, aluminium chloride, lithium        chloride, calcium bromide, zinc chloride or the like. Preferably        the dehydrating agent is a molecular sieve and/or a silica gel.    -   A suitable oxygen collecting agent is selected from a group        comprising metal powders having a reducing capacity, in        particular iron, zinc, tin powders, metal oxides still having        the ability to oxidise, in particular ferrous oxide, as well as        compounds of iron such as carbides, carbonyls, hydroxides, used        alone or in the presence of an activator such as hydroxides,        carbonates, sulphites, thiosulphates, phosphates, organic acid        salts, or halogen salts of alkaline metals or alkaline earth        metals, activated carbon, activated aluminas or activated clays.    -   Other agents for collecting oxygen can also be chosen from        specific reactive polymers such as those described for example        in the patents U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,616, WO9948963, WO98511758,        all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their        entireties, can be mixed with a thermoplastic polymer used to        produce the device according to the present invention.    -   A suitable agent for collecting odors issuing from the organic        gaseous pollutants is selected from a group comprising        pulverulent activated carbon, hydrophobic zeolites, activated        aluminas and activated clays, specific polymers such as        copolymers of styrene and divinylbenzene, mixed with a        thermoplastic polymer used to produce the device according to        the present invention.    -   A suitable desorption agent liberated into the internal        atmosphere of the container is a volatile olfactory agent such        as an aromatic, perfume or scent, and is selected from a group        of extracts from citrus fruits, in particular lemon, orange,        grapefruit, mandarin, extracts of vanilla, essential oils,        herbal extracts, spices and others. The preferred volatile        olfactory components are highly volatile ingredients with a low        boiling point.

The amount of treatment agent introduced into the thermoplastic polymerto produce a device according to the present invention expressed inpercentage by weight can advantageously vary from 5% to 55% of thethermoplastic material used to produce the device, when the treatmentagent is a reaction and/or adsorption agent.

The amount of treatment agent introduced into the thermoplastic polymerto produce a device according to the present invention, when theseagents are desorption agents, in the internal atmosphere of thecontainer can generally vary from 0.001% to 5% by weight, and preferablyfrom 0.001 to 1% of the thermoplastic material used to produce thedevice.

The manufacture of the thermoplastic material used within the scope ofthe invention is preferably achieved by adding master batches comprising(in a concentrated proportion) the treatment agent or agents previouslydispersed in a thermoplastic polymer matrix. The master batch ispreferably in the form of granules which are them mixed with the virginthermoplastic polymer granules in such a way that the quantities oftreatment agent present in the polymer material match the amounts inpercent by weight mentioned above.

Introduction by measurement of the master batches to be dispersed in thethermoplastic polymer can be performed directly at the injectionmachine, if the plasticization system is adequate to permit goodhomogenisation, or to be carried out in an extruder in order to obtain amaterial ready to use.

Master batches can be obtained by compound extrusion if desired.

The pulverulent mineral materials constituting the reaction agents orthe adsorption agents are mixed dry with the virgin thermoplasticpolymer granules, then extruded and granulated, generally in twin-screwextruders, with cutting at the top, according to methods that are wellknown in the art.

With regard to the desorption agents the volatile organic compounds(that is the extracts of aromas, perfumes and scents,) they can often beencapsulated in microcapsules, then dispersed in a thermoplastic matrix,and can also be in the form of a master batch to dilute in thethermoplastic polymer used to make the device. These kinds of masterbatches contain up to 20% of the olfactory compound in a generallypolyolefinic matrix.

According to a different method of incorporation, the volatile olfactorycompounds can be previously placed on an adsorbent mineral support,which is connected to a thermoplastic matrix for the production of amaster batch.

Finally, other methods of production are also possible, as described forexample in U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,974 (incorporated by reference) where theimpregnation of a thermoplastic powder precedes the production of themaster batch, the latter being added to the thermoplastic polymer to betransformed by injection into a device according to the presentinvention.

The stabling additives, colorants, sliding agents, demolding agents,adhesive agents or reinforced attachment agents can be added to thethermoplastic polymers used to make the device for distribution and/orcontrol discharge and for the in-situ treatment of the atmosphereaccording to the requirements of the production.

The device for distribution and/or controlling discharge and for thein-situ treatment of the internal atmosphere can also be produced with adual material structure, on all or part of the surface, so as, forexample, to encourage or prevent the sliding of the unitary products tobe distributed via the distribution opening or openings.

The device for distribution and/or controlling the discharge and for thein-situ treatment of the internal atmosphere can be a separate object tobe inserted into the container, in a preferred configuration, and/or canbe co-injected with the body of the container by means of dual materialinjection techniques well known from the art.

In cases where the device for distribution and/or controlling dischargeand for the in-situ treatment of the internal atmosphere is co-injectedwith the body of the container, the device constitutes all or a part ofthe body of the container. The body of the container is then stopped bya sealing base. In this configuration the part extending the device toform a part of the body or container is made from an impermeablethermoplastic material. The part of the device forming in particular theguiding surface for the products to be distributed can be made from athermoplastic material made from at least one thermoplastic polymer andfrom at least one agent for treating the gaseous atmosphere, having thecapacity to exchange with some of the gaseous constituents considered tobe pollutants that are present in the gaseous atmosphere of thecontainer.

A container equipped with a device for distribution and/or controllingdischarge and for the in-situ treatment of the internal atmosphereaccording to the present invention also preferably comprises a means forsealing the open end of the container, which can be a stopper and/orcover, designed to ensure a seal between the container and thestopper/cover. This seal can be obtained by a structure combiningadjustment between male and female parts and adapted geometric shapesand possibly by utilizing the elasticity of the materials forming thecontainer and the stopper and/or cover.

The sealing means can be connected to the body of the container bylinking means. Said linking means can be a mechanical type hinge with apin or an integral type, depending on whether the container is atwo-piece container, i.e. it consists of a body and stopper/cover madeseparately and possibly made from two materials which can be differentor identical in nature, or in one piece and therefore generally madefrom only one material.

The container equipped with its device for distribution and/orcontrolling discharge and for the in-situ treatment of the internalatmosphere according to the present invention can also comprise aninviolability control.

The container equipped with a device of the present invention can alsomount a sealed protective cover on its neck so that the upper surface ofthe device is flush with or is slightly set back from the neck.

In a preferred use, the container can be first filled with the productsto be distributed, and then a device according to the present inventioncan be incorporated, and optionally a protective seal can be applied.The container can then be closed by a sealing means such as a reclosablestopper type.

In a specific use, and when the device for distribution and/orcontrolling discharge and for the in-situ treatment of the internalatmosphere forms all or part of the body of the container, the body ofthe container can be filled with the products to be distributed and thensealed by a sealing base. The sealing means of the reclosable stopperand/or cover type in this configuration can thus be installed and closedprior to filling, and prior to the irreversible and definitive closureby the attached base.

Thus, a device of this kind for distribution and/or controllingdischarge and for the in-situ treatment of the internal atmosphere,fitted onto a container, is used to distribute, preferably unit by unit,a stock of products to be distributed that are being stored prior to useand protected from the exterior atmosphere by treatment of the internalatmosphere of the container.

According to FIG. 1, the device (1) according to the invention comprisesa main distribution opening (2) preceded by a guiding surface (3), witha line of symmetry, said surface (3) having an entry opening (4) whichis the large base oriented towards the interior of the container (7),and an outlet opening (5) which opens into the main distribution opening(2), said device having a means for securing (6) onto the associatedcontainer (7).

The device is positioned vertically onto the neck of the container bymeans of a flange (8) and is retained to prevent it becoming detached bya shoulder (9) including collar segments.

The device is made from a thermoplastic material comprising:

-   -   42% by weight of a radical low density polyethylene produced by        POLIMERI with the reference number Riblene MP 31;    -   8% by weight of an ethylene vinyl acetate produced by POLYMERI        with the reference number Greenflex MQ40;    -   50% by weight of a molecular sieve produced by CECA with the        reference number NK10AP designed to absorb humidity.

According to FIG. 2, the device (1) according to the invention comprisesin the same manner a main distribution opening (2) preceded by a guidingsurface (3), with a line of symmetry, said surface (3) having an entryopening (4) which is the large base oriented towards the interior of thecontainer (7), and an outlet opening (5) which opens into the maindistribution opening (2), the device having a securing means (6) whichis a force fit, in the neck of the container (7). The device ispositioned vertically on the neck of the container by means of a flange(8).

The device of figure is made form a thermoplastic material comprising:

-   -   74% by weight of a radical low density polyethylene produced by        BOREALIS with the reference number FA6220,    -   25% by weight of a master batch available from Firmenich with        the reference number N&A Orange 059427 A, for emitting a citrus        orange perfume,    -   1% by weight of a master batch coloured orange available from        Ciba with reference number PH5150

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a cross section of a device (1) according to theinvention with a thin-walled structure, with a single off-centre maindistribution opening (2), where the guiding surface (3) is plane. Thesecuring means (6) is of the notch and groove type, providing areverse-lock function. The flange (8) positions the device (1)vertically on the neck of the container (7).

The device is made from a thermoplastic material comprising:

-   -   42% by weight of a linear low density polyethylene;    -   8% by weight of a copolymer of ethylene vinyl acetate;    -   40% by weight of a molecular sieve produced by CECA with the        reference number NK10AP designed to absorb humidity;    -   10% by weight of iron powder with oxidising ability, in the form        of a master batch to absorb the existing oxygen.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a device for distribution and for thein-situ treatment of the internal atmosphere of a container, for oblongobjects.

The device (1) with a thin-walled structure, comprises a maindistribution opening (2), a series of elongated openings (10) dissectingeach other and in a straight line, arranged radially relative to theline of symmetry of the device (1) and opening into the maindistribution opening (2).

The guiding surface (3) has multiple planes connected two by twoupstream of the secondary distribution openings (10) to form feederopenings which open into the main distribution opening (2) and into thesecondary distribution openings.

The securing means (6) is of the force fit type which makes it possibleto position the device (1) vertically on the neck of the container (7)by means of a truncated shape.

The device is made from a thermoplastic material comprising:

-   -   42% by weight of a radical low density polyethylene produced by        POLIMERI with the reference number Riblene MP 31;    -   8% by weight of a copolymer of ethylene vinyl acetate produced        by POLYMERI with the reference number Greenflex MQ40;    -   35% by weight of a molecular sieve produced by CECA with the        reference number NK10AP designed to absorb humidity;    -   15% by weight of an activated carbon for absorbing odours.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a device (1), the guiding surface ofwhich is hemispherical and comprises a central main distribution opening(2) and secondary openings (10) opening into the main distributionopening (2).

The device is made from a thermoplastic material comprising:

-   -   42% by weight of a radical low density polyethylene produced by        POLIMERI with the reference number Riblene MP 31;    -   8% by weight of a copolymer of ethylene vinyl acetate produced        by POLYMERI with the reference number Greenflex MQ40;    -   50% by weight of a molecular sieve produced by CECA with the        reference number NK10AP designed to absorb humidity.

The devices and composition mentioned herein are interchangeable interms of their specific embodiments and the compositions of thethermoplastic employed. Different components can be used in variousother embodiments and using any desired thermoplastic material,including any of those described supra or others. This type of variationis contemplated by the present invention.

Additional advantages, features and modifications will readily occur tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broaderaspects is not limited to the specific details, and representativedevices, shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modificationsmay be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the generalinventive concept as defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

All documents referred to herein are specifically incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

The use of singular article terms including “an”, “a” and “the” canconnote the singular or plural of the object that follows.

1. A device for distribution and/or controlling the discharge of unitaryproducts and for the in-situ treatment of the atmosphere of a containerclosed by sealing means into which it is fitted, and in which saidunitary products are stored loosely, said device permitting the passageof and said device products to be distributed from the interior to theexterior of the container, comprising: a lower surface equipped with anentry opening; an upper surface equipped with at least one distributionopening; between the lower surface and the upper surface, a guidingsurface for the products to be distributed; a means for securing saiddevice onto the container onto which it is fitted; wherein said devicecomprises a thermoplastic material which comprises at least onethermoplastic polymer and at least one agent for treating at least onegaseous pollutant present in a gaseous atmosphere of the container byreaction with and/or adsorption of at least one gaseous pollutantpresent in said gaseous atmosphere and/or desorption of said agent insaid gaseous atmosphere of the container.
 2. A device according to claim1, wherein the treatment agent present in the thermoplastic material isselected from agents processing a capacity for adsorbing water vapor. 3.A device according to claim 2, wherein the treatment agent is selectedfrom the group consisting of silica gels, dehydrating clays, activatedaluminas, calcium oxide, barium oxide, natural or synthetic zeolites,molecular sieves, and deliquescent salts.
 4. A device according to claim1, wherein the treatment agent present in the thermoplastic material isselected from agents having a capacity for reacting with and/oradsorbing oxygen.
 5. A device according to claim 4, wherein thetreatment agent is selected from the group consisting of metal powders,with a reducing property, metal oxides capable of oxidizing compounds ofiron.
 6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the treatment agentpresent in the thermoplastic material is selected from the groupconsisting of alkaline agents capable of reacting with and/or adsorbacidic gaseous pollutants.
 7. A device according to claims 1, whereinthe treatment agent present in the thermoplastic material is selectedfrom the group consisting of acidic agents capable of reacting withand/or adsorb gaseous alkaline pollutants.
 8. A device according claim1, wherein the treatment agent present in the thermoplastic material isselected from the group consisting of agents capable of reacting withand/or adsorb organic gaseous pollutants.
 9. A device according to claim1, wherein the treatment agent present in the thermoplastic material isselected from the group consisting of agents capable of desorbing avolatile olfactory agent and said volatile olfactory agent is selectedfrom the group consisting of extracts from citrus fruits.
 10. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic polymer used to producethe device is at lest one selected from the group consisting ofpolyethylenes, copolymers of ethylene, homo polypropylene, polybutene-1,polyisobutylene, polyvinyl chloride, copolymers of vinyl chloride,polyvinylidene chlorides, polystyrenes, copolymers of styrene,derivatives of cellulose, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyoxymethylenes,polyethylene terephthalates, polybutylene terephthalates, copolyesters,polyphenylene oxides, polymethyl methacrylates, copolymers of acrylate,fluoride polymers, polyphenylene sulphides, polyarylsulphones,polyaryl-etherketones, polyetherimides, polyimides, thermoplasticelastomers, polyurethanes, phenol resins, melamine resins, urea resins,epoxy resins and unsaturated polyester resins, biodegradablethermoplastic polymers, and polylactic acids (PLA).
 11. A deviceaccording to claim 10, wherein the thermoplastic polymer used to producethe device comprises a polyolefine.
 12. A device according to claim 1,wherein the amount of treatment agent introduced into the thermoplasticpolymer is from 5% to 55% by weight of the thermoplastic material used,when the treatment agents comprise reaction agents and/or adsorptionagents.
 13. A device according to claim 1, wherein in the amount oftreatment agent introduced into the thermoplastic polymer is from 0.001%to 5% by weight of the thermoplastic material used, when the treatmentagents are capable of desorbing a volatile olfactory agent from aninternal atmosphere of the container.
 14. A device according to claim 1,wherein in the entry opening of the device has a circular, elliptic orpolygonal profile.
 15. A device according to claim 1, wherein in theentry opening of the device has a profile that is at most the same sizeas the internal profile of the neck of the container.
 16. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the guiding surface of the device is aspherical, truncated, truncated parabolic, truncated hyperbolic surface,the surface being concave, with straight line or oblique revolution. 17.A device according to claim 1, wherein the guiding surface is a planesurface comprising the main distribution opening.
 18. A device accordingto claim 1, wherein the distribution opening has a circular, elliptic orpolygonal profile.
 19. A device according to claim 1, wherein thedistribution opening is positioned in a plane of the upper surface ofthe device and at any point of said plane.
 20. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the distribution opening is set back from a plane ofthe upper surface of the device and at any point of said plane.
 21. Adevice according to claim 19, wherein the distribution opening is in anaxis line of the device.
 22. A device according to claim 1, wherein thedistribution opening is associated with at least one further secondarydistribution opening that opens into said opening.
 23. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the securing means of the device ispositioned on the peripheral external surface or skirt of said device.24. A device according to claim 23, wherein the means for securing is atleast one of a force fit, a clipping connection with notch and groove, adifferential thermal shrinkage, a screw connection or a catchingconnection.
 25. A device according to claim 24, wherein said securingmeans is a force fit connection or a clipping connection with notch andgroove, and wherein said device includes at least one partial, radialslit in an upper peripheral surface thereof.
 26. A device according toclaim 1, further comprising a specific means permitting consistentvertical positioning in a flange abutting against a collar of thecontainer or in a circular housing provided in a neck portion of thecontainer.
 27. A device according to claim 1, further comprising aspecific reverse-lock means comprising a stop positioned at a level ofthe lower surface of said device.
 28. A method for distributing productsthat are loosely packed, where the levels of humidity, oxygen and otherpollutants need to be controlled by adding a volatile olfactorycompound, said method comprising utilizing a device according toclaim
 1. 29. A method of claim 28, wherein said method involves unit byunit distribution.
 30. A method of claim 28 further comprising invertingsaid device so that at least one product is in contact with said guidingsurface and is thereby distributed.